Quotes on JaMarcus Russell (pre-draft)
Here’s a collection of quotes regarding recently-cut, once franchise savior, former number 1 pick JaMarcus Russell before the 2007 NFL Draft. Just awesome.
Todd McShay, ESPN:
“I can’t remember being in such awe of a quarterback in my decade of attending combines and pro days. Russell’s passing session was the most impressive of all the pro days I’ve been to. His footwork for such a big quarterback was surprising. He was nimble in his dropbacks, rolling out and throwing on the run. The ball just explodes out of his hands.”
Mel Kiper, ESPN:
“JaMarcus Russell is going to immediately energize that fanbase, that football team — on the practice field, in that locker room. Three years from now you could be looking at a guy that’s certainly one of the elite top five quarterbacks in this league. …You’re talking about a 2-3 year period once he’s under center. Look out because the skill level that he has is certainly John Elway-like.”
Jon Gruden:
“The workout Russell had was Star Wars. It was unbelievable.”
Mike Mayock, NFL Network:
“This year, I can’t get over how good and talented JaMarcus Russell is. It just blew me away. If I had the first, second, third, fourth, fifth pick in that draft, I would be tearing apart his personal life trying to figure out whether or not I could trust this kid with $10-million … From a physical skill set perspective, I’ve never seen a college quarterback with more ability than Russell. You put the tape on and it’s frightening. The only thing that’s going to keep [Russell] from being great is him. What it comes down to is you’ve got to figure out whether or not this kid wants to be the best quarterback in football. If he wants to be the best quarterback in football, he can be.”
I guess the moral of the story is that the desire to be great combined with hard work trumps pure talent and a bad work ethic every single time. I guess I can thank JaMarcus for serving as a reminder. If I do so choose to remember, of course.
[si]
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